Sen. David Hann said Tuesday that Dayton is bypassing the Legislature by taking a $4.2 million federal grant to design a major feature of the federal health care overhaul.

Dayton has been a strong supporter of the health care overhaul since taking office in January and signing an order to expand the Medicaid health care program.

Republicans including Sen. Chris Gerlach say they wish Dayton instead would join them in resisting the federal health law.

State-based health exchanges are envisioned as online marketplaces where consumers can compare and buy health insurance coverage starting in 2014. Federal and state authorities announced the latest grant last week.